More than shopping happened at the Selma Mall Thursday afternoon as residents of all ages showed up for an informational scavenger hunt. 

The Black Belt Community Development Coalition kicked off the first day of its three-day first Kid’s Day Out Week Fest with its Scavenger Hunt event at the Selma Mall. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. people visited the shopping center to compete in a question game that simultaneously educated them about Selma.

“A lot of our kids don’t know a lot about Selma, and we’re just trying to get them more informed on where they’re from,” said Courtney Cunningham, the co-founder of the Black Belt Community Development Coalition.

Held from July 31 to Aug. 2, Kid’s Day Out Week Fest was designed to encourage people to donate school supplies to those in need, while providing activities, shows, contest, food and more.

With some community donations, the group plans to give 25 backpacks full of school supplies to three different schools, which will be announced Friday. Ann Moore, a state intervention member with the Selma City School System, helped the coalition determine which schools had stronger needs for material.

During the hunt, volunteers stood at various spots in the mall, ready to ask participants questions about Selma, with a majority of them being about the city’s history. Competitors were then asked to answer the questions on index cards and turn them in at the front table.

The team with the most correct answers won the scavenger hunt, which was team one.

Team one members were Joqori Underwood, 8, Kamar Underwood, 6, and Ka Derryus Jones, 19.

Selma resident Daphne Martin brought her children Tay’ Shaun Martin, Bernard Martin Jr. and grandchild La Kira Martin to the hunt to let them have some fun outside of the house.

“It’s something different they enjoy,” Daphne said.  “And it’s an activity for them where they can learn at the same time. “

Daphne said the fun is just beginning for her children, because they’ll also be attending the other events the coalition has planned for the week.

The event continues tomorrow with a Kid’s Day Out Festival at Selma Mall from 3 to 6 p.m. A magic show, inflatable bouncer, face painting, crafts and food will be featured Friday.

Profits from the food and raffle available that day will be used to purchase school supplies.

The three-day event will conclude Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. with a Back-to School Fashion Show for all ages. The models are from ages 8 to 18.

For more information about the Kid’s Day Out Week Fest, contact Co-founder Keesha Smith at 413-2233 or Cunningham at 413-2581. You may also reach the organization at blackbeltcoalition@gmail.org or blackbeltcoalition.org.